Our Boys
French Bulldog History
Knowing about a breed history can lead to a better understanding of what modern day life with that dog might be like. That is certainly true of the French Bulldog who originated to meet the needs of two different groups of 19th century women: Lace Makers and Courtesans.About 200 years ago some of the English Lace Makers decided that they needed some canine company while they worked. They discovered the smallest of the English bulldogs (runts of the litters and smallest bulldogs bred to other smallest bullies to create even SMALLER bulldogs) were exactly what they needed. The Lace Makers favored the tiny English Bullies to lay in their laps while they worked. The little Bulldogs created a double purpose for their humans in that a.) they kept laps warm in the harsh English Winters and b.) the dogs warm little bodies were a perfect magnet for fleas, thus keeping the fleas off the ladies while they worked!
A few years later, prompted by the Industrial Revolution, many of those lace makers relocated to France looking for more work. Naturally they took their tiny Bulldogs with them. Upon moving to France these small bulldogs began to interbreed with the (also small) local terriers that were kept for rodent control Viola! The French Bulldog.
In time these tiny bulldogs began turning up in Paris where they were especially favored by the Parisian Courtesans, Streetwalkers, and Artists. It was the Ladies of the Evening that were the first to call the small bulldogs "Bouledogues Francais" or in English "French Bulldogs". It is speculated that the "Frenchies", due to their LARGE BAT ears and oversize heads, were used by the prostitutes to "break the ice" with gentlemen that they wanted to approach for business.
Busy lace makers or Ladies of the Evening probably didn't have much time to spend grooming a dog. Fortunately for them AND us the Frenchies short coat requires very little grooming and it does not shed much. They DO require a weekly brushing, wrinkle wipe and ear cleaning.
Finally because the Frenchie was bred to be a lapdog, they are not only small and easy to carry but they are also calm and don't need lots of exercise. Lace Makers and Prostitutes surely appreciated the dogs small size and portability. If you don't have room for a big dog you can always scoop up your little Frenchie and take him anywhere with you. He/She will be calm and will not be demanding in terms of exercise or grooming but they certainly DO love to be around people!
